U.S. patent number 10,874,407 [Application Number 15/159,069] was granted by the patent office on 2020-12-29 for bone depth stop apparatus and method.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Zimmer, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Zimmer, Inc.. Invention is credited to Andrew Hopkins.
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United States Patent |
10,874,407 |
Hopkins |
December 29, 2020 |
Bone depth stop apparatus and method
Abstract
An instrument can comprise an instrument body, a cross-pin, and
a ring. The instrument body can be configured to be partially
inserted into an intramedullary canal of a bone having a bone
resection. The cross-pin can extend through the instrument body,
and the ring can be movably coupled to the cross-pin and
positionable on the bone resection. The ring can be configured to
pivot about a longitudinal axis of the cross-pin such that an angle
of the ring relative to the instrument body approximates a surface
angle of the bone resection relative to the instrument body.
Additional apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Hopkins; Andrew (Winterthur,
CH) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Zimmer, Inc. |
Warsaw |
IN |
US |
|
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Assignee: |
Zimmer, Inc. (Warsaw,
IN)
|
Family
ID: |
1000005266718 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/159,069 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2016 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20160345988 A1 |
Dec 1, 2016 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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62166976 |
May 27, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
17/1659 (20130101); A61B 90/03 (20160201); A61B
17/1684 (20130101); A61B 2090/036 (20160201) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
17/16 (20060101); A61B 90/00 (20160101) |
Field of
Search: |
;606/102 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Lawson; Matthew J
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner,
P.A.
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This applications claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/166,976, filed May 27, 2015,
the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An instrument, comprising: an instrument body configured to be
partially inserted into an intramedullary canal of a bone having a
bone resection; a cross-pin extending through and across the
instrument body; a ring coupled directly to the cross-pin and
positionable on the bone resection such that a portion of the ring
is configured to contact a surface of the bone resection, the ring
configured to pivot about a longitudinal axis of the cross-pin such
that an angle of the ring relative to the instrument body
approximates a surface angle of the bone resection relative to the
instrument body; and an inclination indicator configured to
indicate the surface angle of the bone resection when the ring is
positioned on the bone resection.
2. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the instrument body comprises
a rasp handle.
3. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the instrument body further
comprises a rasp, such that the rasp is configured to be inserted
into the intramedullary canal of the bone.
4. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the instrument body comprises
an implant stem or a trial stem.
5. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the ring comprises a first
portion and a second portion separable from the first portion, the
first and second portions being configured for assembly on the
cross-pin to form the ring.
6. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the ring comprises metal.
7. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the ring comprises
plastic.
8. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the inclination indicator
comprises markings on the instrument body.
9. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the instrument is a depth
stop instrument for shoulder replacement surgery.
10. The instrument of claim 1, wherein the ring prevents the
instrument body from being inserted into the intramedullary canal
of the bone beyond a predetermined depth.
11. An instrument, comprising: an instrument body configured to be
partially inserted into an intramedullary canal of a bone having a
bone resection; a cross-pin extending through and across the
instrument body; a ring attached directly to the cross-pin, the
ring configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the
cross-pin such that when a base surface of the ring contacts a
surface of the bone resection, the instrument body is prevented
from being inserted into the intramedullary canal of the bone
beyond a predetermined depth; and an inclination indicator
configured to indicate a surface angle of the bone resection when
the ring is positioned on the bone resection.
12. The instrument of claim 11, wherein the instrument body
comprises a rasp handle.
13. The instrument of claim 11, wherein the instrument comprises a
depth stop system for shoulder replacement surgery.
14. The instrument of claim 11, wherein the ring is configured such
that when the base surface of the ring contacts the surface of the
bone resection, an angle of the ring relative to the instrument
body approximates a surface angle of the bone resection relative to
the instrument body.
15. The instrument of claim 11, wherein the ring is integral with
the cross-pin, such that the cross-pin rotates about its
longitudinal axis with the ring.
16. A method, comprising: inserting a cross-pin through an opening
in an instrument body such that the cross-pin extends across and
through the instrument body; and attaching a ring directly to the
cross-pin such that the ring encircles the instrument body, the
ring configured to pivot about the cross-pin such that an angle of
the ring relative to the instrument body can approximate a surface
angle of a bone resection relative to the instrument body when the
instrument body is partially inserted in an intramedullary canal of
a bone having the bone resection and the ring is positioned on the
bone resection such that a portion of the ring contacts a surface
of the bone resection and an inclination indicator indicates the
surface angle of the bone resection when the ring is positioned on
the bone resection.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein attaching the ring to the
cross-pin comprises: coupling a first portion of the ring to a
second portion of the ring, and coupling the cross-pin to at least
one of the first portion and the second portion.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein inserting the cross-pin through
the opening in the instrument body comprises threadably coupling
the cross-pin to the instrument body.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the comprises a method for
making a depth stop instrument for shoulder replacement surgery.
Description
BACKGROUND
Some orthopedic procedures for the replacement of all, or a portion
of, a patient's joint, such as hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow
arthroplasty procedures, include forming a canal in the bone within
which to seat a portion of the artificial joint implant. Such bones
typically include a hardened outer layer of compact bone
surrounding an inner layer of spongy bone and/or marrow.
Instruments such as reamers and rasps can be used by surgeons to
form and size the canal by removing marrow and spongy bone along a
length of the bone sufficient to accept the portion of the implant.
It is important that practitioners avoid removing too much spongy
bone, however, and forming too large of a canal for the intended
implant. Being overly aggressive in rasping the spongy bone, for
instance, can result in the removal of the spongy bone all the way
down to the compact bone, which, in turn, can result in an
oversized channel.
Overview
To better illustrate the instrument disclosed herein, a
non-limiting list of examples is provided here:
In Example 1, an instrument can be provided that includes an
instrument body configured to be partially inserted into an
intramedullary canal of a bone having a bone resection, a cross-pin
extending through the instrument body, and a ring movably coupled
to the cross-pin and positionable on the bone resection, the ring
configured to pivot about a longitudinal axis of the cross-pin such
that an angle of the ring relative to the instrument body
approximates a surface angle of the bone resection relative to the
instrument body.
In Example 2, the instrument of Example 1 is optionally configured
such that the instrument body comprises a rasp handle.
In Example 3, the instrument of any one of or any combination of
Examples 1-2 is optionally configured such that the instrument body
further comprises a rasp, such that the rasp is configured to be
inserted into the intramedullary canal of the bone.
In Example 4, the instrument of any one of or any combination of
Examples 1-3 is optionally configured such that the instrument body
comprises an implant stem or a trial stem.
In Example 5, the instrument of any one of or any combination of
Examples 1-4 is optionally configured such that the ring comprises
a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions
being configured for assembly on the cross-pin to form the
ring.
In Example 6, the instrument of any one of or any combination of
Examples 1-5 is optionally configured such that the ring comprises
metal.
In Example 7, the instrument of any one of or any combination of
Examples 1-6 is optionally configured such that the ring comprises
plastic.
In Example 8, the instrument of any one of or any combination of
Examples 1-7 is optionally configured such that the instrument
further comprises an inclination indicator, configured to indicate
the surface angle of the bone resection when the ring is positioned
on the bone resection.
In Example 9, the instrument of Example 8 is optionally configured
such that the inclination indicator comprises markings on the
instrument body.
In Example 10, the instrument of any one of or any combination of
Examples 1-9 is optionally configured such that the instrument
comprises a depth stop system for shoulder replacement surgery.
In Example 11, the instrument of any one of or any combination of
Examples 1-10 is optionally configured such that the ring prevents
the instrument body from being inserted into the intramedullary
canal of the bone beyond a predetermined depth.
In Example 12, an instrument can be provided that includes an
instrument body configured to be partially inserted into an
intramedullary canal of a bone having a bone resection, a cross-pin
extending through the instrument body, and a ring attached to the
cross-pin, the ring configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis
of the cross-pin such that when a base surface of the ring contacts
a surface of the bone resection, the instrument body is prevented
from being inserted into the intramedullary canal of the bone
beyond a predetermined depth.
In Example 13, the instrument of Example 12 is optionally
configured such that the instrument body comprises a rasp
handle.
In Example 14, the instrument of any one of or any combination of
Examples 12-13 is optionally configured such that the instrument
comprises a depth stop system for shoulder replacement surgery.
In Example 15, the instrument of any one of or any combination of
Examples 12-14 is optionally configured such that when a base
surface of the ring contacts a surface of the bone resection, an
angle of the ring relative to the instrument body approximates a
surface angle of the bone resection relative to the instrument
body.
In Example 16, the instrument of any one of or any combination of
Examples 12-15 is optionally configured such that the ring is
integral with the cross-pin, such that the cross-pin rotates about
its longitudinal axis with the ring.
In Example 17, a method can be provided that includes inserting a
cross-pin through an opening in an instrument body, and attaching a
ring to the cross-pin, such that the ring encircles the instrument
body, the ring configured to pivot about the cross-pin such that an
angle of the ring relative to the instrument body can approximate a
surface angle of a bone resection relative to the instrument
body.
In Example 18, the method of Example 17 optionally includes
attaching the ring to the cross-pin by coupling a first portion of
the ring to a second portion of the ring, and coupling the
cross-pin to at least one of the first portion and the second
portion.
In Example 19, the method of any one of or any combination of
Examples 17-18 optionally includes inserting the cross-pin through
the opening in the instrument body by threadably coupling the
cross-pin to the instrument body.
In Example 20, the method of any one of or any combination of
Examples 17-19 optionally includes making a depth stop instrument
for shoulder replacement surgery.
These and other examples and features of the present devices,
systems, and methods will be set forth in part in the following
Detailed Description. This overview is intended to provide a
summary of subject matter of the present patent application. It is
not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive removal of the
invention. The detailed description is included to provide further
information about the present patent application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like
numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like
numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different
instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally,
by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various
embodiments discussed in the present document.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a depth stop instrument, in
accordance with at least one example of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a depth stop instrument,
in accordance with at least one example of the present
disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a depth stop instrument inserted
into an intramedullary canal of a bone having a bone resection, in
accordance with at least one example of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a depth stop instrument inserted
into an intramedullary canal of a bone having a bone resection, in
accordance with at least one example of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an example method of assembling and using
the depth stop instrument of FIGS. 1-4, in accordance with at least
one example of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In a healthy shoulder, the proximal humerus is generally
ball-shaped, and articulates within a socket formed by the scapula
(sometimes referred to as a shoulder blade), called the glenoid, to
form the shoulder joint. Some types of injury, disease, or
degeneration can produce pain, restricted motion in the shoulder
joint, or both. One treatment for certain types of damage to a
shoulder joint is surgery. In some cases, the shoulder joint is
surgically replaced. Shoulder surgery can include implantation of a
humeral component having a stem that fits within an intramedullary
canal of a resected humerus bone, and an articulating head that
articulates within the socket of a glenoid component implanted
within the glenoid of the scapula. A practitioner can form the
intramedullary canal to a predetermined depth and determine an
inclination angle of the bone resection in order to provide a
proper fit for an implant. While the examples are described with
reference to shoulder replacement surgery, the apparatus and
methods can similarly be applied to any of a variety of orthopedic
procedures.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a depth stop instrument 100, in
accordance with at least one example of the present disclosure. The
instrument 100 can comprise an instrument body 102, a cross-pin
104, and a ring 106. In at least one example, the cross-pin 104 can
extend through the instrument body 102 via an opening 108 in the
instrument body 102. The ring 106 can be configured to pivot about
a longitudinal axis 110 of the cross-pin 104. For example, the ring
106 can be movably coupled to the cross-pin 104. In another
example, the ring 106 is integral with the cross-pin 104 or is
coupled to the cross-pin 104, such that as the ring 106 pivots
about the longitudinal axis 110 of the cross pin, the cross-pin 104
rotates about its longitudinal axis 110 within the opening 108 in
the instrument body 102.
In some examples, the depth stop instrument 100 can comprise an
inclination indicator 112 to indicate an angle of the ring 106 as
it pivots about the longitudinal axis 110. In the illustrated
example, the inclination indicator 112 comprises markings 113 on
the instrument body 102. In other examples, the inclination
indicator 112 can comprise any of a variety of angle measurement
mechanisms. In some examples, the inclination indicator 112 can
comprise a lock to lock the ring 106 at a particular inclination
angle. In such an example, the inclination indicator 112 can allow
the ring 106 to be compared to, or otherwise used with, other
surfaces at the locked inclination angle. In at least one example,
the inclination indicator 112 is a separate instrument used in
conjunction with the depth stop instrument 100 to determine an
inclination angle associated with the ring.
In various examples, the instrument body 102 can be configured to
be partially inserted into an intramedullary canal of a bone having
a bone resection, and the ring 106 can be positionable on the bone
resection. In at least one example, the instrument body 102 can
comprise a rasp handle 114 and a rasp 116 to be inserted into the
intramedullary canal. In such an example, the ring 106 can provide
a depth stop for the instrument body 102 to prevent the rasp 116
from being inserted into the intramedullary canal beyond a
predetermined depth. The ring 106 can provide a greater surface
area than the cross-pin 104 alone, to help avoid damage to the bone
during positioning or rasping. In at least one example, the
cross-pin 104 does not come in contact with the bone resection when
the ring 106 lays flat on the bone resection. In at least one
example, the instrument body 102 can comprise an implant stem or a
trial stem, such that the ring 106 can prevent the implant stem or
trial stem from being inserted into the intramedullary canal deeper
than a predetermined depth.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the depth stop instrument
100, in accordance with at least one example of the present
disclosure. In the illustrated example, instrument body 102 of the
depth stop instrument 100 comprises a bent rasp handle 114 and a
rasp 116. In other examples, the instrument body 102 can comprise
any variety of rasp handles or rasps. For example, the instrument
body 102 can comprise a straight rasp handle. In yet further
examples, the instrument body 102 can comprise a trial stem or an
implant stem.
The cross-pin 104 can be inserted into the instrument body 102,
such that the cross-pin 104 extends through the instrument body
102. In at least one example, the cross-pin 104 is threadably
coupled to the instrument body 102 via corresponding threads 202,
204. In another example, the cross-pin 104 is formed integral with
the instrument body 102. In yet another example, the cross-pin is
attached to the instrument body 102 using any of a variety of
fasteners, for example adhesive, solder, screws, bolts, or the
like.
In the illustrated example, the ring 106 is depicted as comprising
a first portion 206 and a second portion 208, such that the first
portion 206 and the second portion 208 can be assembled to form the
ring 106. In at least one example, the first portion 206 and the
second portion 208 can be assembled over the cross-pin 104 to form
the ring 106. In another example, the ring 106 comprises a single
portion, and the cross-pin 104 is coupled to the single portion of
the ring 106. The ring 106 can be attached to the cross-pin 104
using any of a variety of fasteners, for example adhesive, solder,
screws, bolts, or the like.
The ring 106 can be configured to rotate about the longitudinal
axis 110 of the cross-pin 104. In at least one example, the ring
106 can pivot about the cross-pin 104. In another example, rotation
of the ring 106 causes the cross-pin 104 to rotate about its
longitudinal axis 110. In at least one example, a base surface 210
of the ring 106 is configured to contact a surface of a bone
resection. For example, as the instrument body 102 is partially
inserted into an intramedullary canal, the ring 106 can be
configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis 110 of the
cross-pin 104, such that the base surface 210 of the ring 106 comes
in contact with the bone resection to provide a depth stop for the
instrument body 102. The surface area of the base surface 210 of
the ring 106 in contact with the bone resection can allow force to
be applied to the instrument body 102 (for rasping or otherwise, as
necessary for the orthopedic procedure) without damaging the bone.
Further, when the base surface 210 of the ring 106 is substantially
flush with the bone resection, the angle of the ring 106 relative
to the instrument body 102 can approximate a surface angle of the
bone resection relative to the instrument body 102. In at least one
example, the inclination indicator 112 can measure the angle of the
ring 106. In at least one example, the inclination indicator 112 in
combination with the ring 106 can indicate the surface angle of the
bone resection when the ring 106 is positioned on the bone
resection.
In at least one example, one or more of the instrument body 102,
the cross-pin 104, and the ring 106, comprises metal, for example,
stainless steel. In at least one example, one or more of the
instrument body 102, the cross-pin 104, and the ring 106, comprises
plastic. In some examples one or more of the instrument body 102,
the cross-pin 104, and the ring 106 comprises a combination of
materials.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the depth stop instrument 100
inserted into an intramedullary canal 302 of a bone 306 having a
bone resection 304, in accordance with at least one example of the
present disclosure. For example, in the context of shoulder
replacement surgery, the bone resection 304 can be formed at the
proximal end of the humerus bone 306, and the intramedullary canal
302 can extend from the surface of the bone resection 304 into the
humerus bone 306.
In the illustrated example, the instrument body 102, comprising the
rasp handle 114 and the rasp 116, is inserted into the
intramedullary canal 302 until the bottom surface 210 of the ring
106 contacts the bone resection 304, preventing the instrument body
102 from inserting into the intramedullary canal 302 beyond a
predetermined depth. With the bottom surface 210 of the ring 106
resting on the surface of the bone resection 304, the ring 106 and
the surface of the bone resection 304 share a common axis 308. The
common axis 308 can be compared to an additional axis 310, such as
a longitudinal axis of the instrument body 102, to measure an angle
312 of the ring 106 that can be used to approximate an inclination
angle of the surface of the bone resection 304. In some examples,
the inclination angle can be determined using the inclination
indicator 112. In at least one example, the location of the ring
106 is compared to the inclination indicator 112 to determine the
inclination angle of surface of the bone resection 304.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the depth stop instrument 100
inserted into the intramedullary canal 302 of the bone 306, in
accordance with at least one example of the present disclosure. In
the illustrated example, the bone resection 304 is formed at the
proximal end of the humerus bone 306, and the intramedullary canal
302 extends from the surface of the bone resection 304 into the
humerus bone 306.
In the illustrated example, the instrument body 102 comprises an
implant stem or a trial stem for use during procedures associated
with shoulder replacement surgery. The implant stem or trial stem
can be inserted into the intramedullary canal 302 until the bottom
surface 210 of the ring 106 contacts the bone resection 304,
preventing the implant stem or trial stem from inserting into the
intramedullary canal 302 beyond a predetermined depth. Similar to
that shown in FIG. 3, with the bottom surface 210 of the ring 106
resting on the surface of the bone resection 304, the ring 106 and
the surface of the bone resection 304 share a common axis 308. The
common axis 308 can be compared to an additional axis 310, such as
a longitudinal axis of the instrument body 102, to measure an angle
312 of the ring 106 that can be used to approximate an inclination
angle of the surface of the bone resection 304. In some examples,
the inclination angle can be determined using the inclination
indicator 112. In at least one example, the location of the ring
106 is compared to the inclination indicator 112 to determine the
inclination angle of surface of the bone resection 304.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart 500 of an example method of assembling and
using the depth stop instrument 100 in accordance with at least one
example of the present disclosure. As a matter of convenience, the
method 500 is described with reference to the depth stop instrument
100 of FIGS. 1-4. At block 502, a user can insert the cross-pin 104
through the opening 108 of the instrument body 102. In at least one
example, the user can couple the cross-pin to the instrument body
102 using any of a variety of fasteners, for example, adhesive,
solder, bolts, screws, or the like. In some examples, the user can
threadably couple the cross-pin 104 to the instrument body 102 via
corresponding threads 202, 204. In another example, the user can
form the cross-pin 104 integral with the instrument body 102,
rather than inserting the cross-pin 104 through an opening in the
instrument body.
At block 504, the user attaches the ring 106 to the cross-pin 104.
In at least one example, the user can couple the cross-pin 104 to
at least one of the first portion 206 of the ring 106 and the
second portion 208 of the ring 106. In some examples, the user can
attach the ring 106 to the cross-pin 104 by coupling the first
portion 206 of the ring 106 and the second portion 208 of the ring
106 over the cross-pin 104. In at least one example, the user can
threadably couple the cross-pin 104 to the ring 106. In some
examples, the user can form the ring 106 integral with the
cross-pin 104. In at least one example, the user can attach the
ring 106 to the cross-pin 104, such that the ring 106 encircles the
instrument body 102. In some examples, the user can configure the
ring 106 to pivot about the cross-pin 104. In other examples, the
user can configure the ring 106 and the cross-pin 104 to rotate
about the longitudinal axis 110 of the cross-pin 104. In some
examples, the user receives the depth stop instrument 100
pre-assembled, such that the user performs the method 500 beginning
at block 506.
At block 506, the user can partially insert the instrument body 102
into the intramedullary canal 302. In at least one example, the
user can insert the instrument body 102 into the intramedullary
canal 302 until the base 210 of the ring 106 contacts the surface
of the bone resection 304, preventing the instrument body 102 from
being inserted further into the intramedullary canal 302. At block
508, the user can determine an inclination angle of the surface of
the bone resection 304. In at least one example, the user uses the
angle 312 of the ring 106 relative to the instrument body 102 to
approximate a surface angle of the bone resection 302. In some
examples, the user utilizes an inclination indicator 112 in
combination with the position of the ring 106 to determine an
inclination angle associated with the surface of the bone resection
302. In some examples, the user can use the inclination angle to
determine an appropriate head inclination for an implant. In some
examples, the user does not determine the inclination angle, and
instead the method 500 proceeds from inserting the instrument body
102 at block 506 to block 510. At block 510, the user can rasp the
intramedullary canal 302 using the instrument body comprising the
rasp handle 114 and the rasp 116. In some examples of the method
500, the user uses an instrument body 102 comprising an implant
stem or a trial stem, and does not rasp the intramedullary canal
302 at block 510.
In the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various
features are grouped together in a single example for the purpose
of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to
be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed examples
require more features than are expressly recited in each claim.
Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter
lies in less than all features of a single disclosed example. Thus
the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed
Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate
example.
Note that not all of the activities or elements described above in
the general description are required, that a portion of a specific
activity or device may not be required, and that one or more
further activities may be performed, or elements included, in
addition to those described. Still further, the order in which
activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which they
are performed. Also, the concepts have been described with
reference to specific examples. However, one of ordinary skill in
the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be
made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as
set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and
figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the present disclosure.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been
described above with regard to specific examples. However, the
benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s)
that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or
become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical,
required, or essential feature of any or all the claims. Moreover,
the particular examples disclosed above are illustrative only, as
the disclosed subject matter may be modified and practiced in
different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the
art having the benefit of the teachings herein. No limitations are
intended to the details of construction or design herein shown,
other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore
evident that the particular examples disclosed above may be altered
or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope
of the disclosed subject matter. Accordingly, the protection sought
herein is as set forth in the claims below.
* * * * *